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15 Ways to be a Better Boss

15 Ways to be a Better Boss

People often wonder what it takes to be a better boss; here are 15 ways you can use to begin your journey managing others.

Listen openly to others.

It is hard to listen, to everyone, and what they have to say regarding a matter you already have decided on. Keep an open mind. Listen, and glean the important information. Use some of it, it will let everyone know that you were really listening and that they matter.

Offer constructive suggestions.

It is difficult to offer suggestions to angry people. Wait, choose the moment and then make your suggestions. They will be received better and will be taken into consideration more readily.

Give clear directions.

Do not be vague. Do not be wishy washy. People appreciate the direct approach. Make it simple and clear. Someone is bound to do it, if they understand what it is you want. Also, it gives the right impression; you are in charge and you know what you are talking about.

Set and meet deadlines.

When you tell your staff that you will do something, make sure that you come through. Never let a deadline go by. If you can do that, then everyone else can do it. Lead by example.

Give formal and informal presentations.

If you have to give presentations, mix it up a little. Take the staff out for a cup of coffee and talk there. Set it up, with slides, in the conference room. Take out for dinner nice in a while for the talk. They will come to these things with a more positive attitude.

Help members identify and solve problems.

When problems arise, turn the tables on your employees. Have them tell you what the problem is and have them decide what should be done about it. It helps them feel that they are controlling some part of their lives at work. It also brings them together to decide what to do about an issue.

Set an example to behavior you want cultivated.

Be a role model. If you want them to come in on time, be on time for meetings. If you do not want them eating at their desk, do not offer food at yours. Simple things will convey your messages. It is not ‘do as I say, not as I do’.

Show appreciation of others’ contributions.

Whether it is someone on your team, or outside the group, or even, outside the institution, make sure you praise and show your appreciation for a job well done. It will reenforce the idea, that you notice accomplishments.

Show understanding.

People will make mistakes. Really, they will. Be understanding, without, being a push over. Take into consideration their reactions, noting whether they are callous or sincere. All these are cues to a better understanding of your employees.

Encourage members to exchange ideas.

This is a tricky suggestion. There is not need to open the forum for every stupid idea that comes along. If the ideas are to progress the work, make it more efficient and flow better, give it credence. Otherwise, tell them to give it a rest.

Conflict handling.

No group is the same. No group has the same dynamics and no manager is capable of understanding every problem that occurs. It is a fine dance. If a conflict arises, allow the staff to handle it, for a limited period of time. If that does not work, make definitive decisions, suggesting that the someone can get another job. It will end the conflict, quickly. Being undecided will cause harm to the group.

Delegate responsibilities.

It is easy to give the job to the busiest person there, since they will get it done. But, you should delegate to others also. It will make them feel like part of the whole, while taking the burden off the key person in your group.

Do not gossip.

No matter how tempted you are, do not gossip. Everyone knows that if you gossip with one person, you probably do it with everyone else. Don’t do it, it is that simple.

Do not lie.

If you get caught lying, nothing, will induce the staff, to trust you, again. Always be truthful or just say nothing. It is not productive to lie about numbers, or work flow or anything for that matter.

Get a backbone.

Nothing is more annoying, and discouraging, than someone in a leadership position, who has no inner clout. When you are weak, tenuous, implausible and unconvincing, the staff will have no respect for you and your ability to make decisions. Ge on the stick! Get stronger and more decisive.